Paper Writing Guidelines for Quality Papers Pssst! Save these notes for future papers too!

Sample Thesis  How can we make this thesis sound better?  In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare shows how Romeo changes as a character.  (Hint: Think of at least two to three reasons that could go with this statement.)  In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare shows how Romeo changes through ______A_______, _______B________, and _______C________.

*Body Paragraph Format*  P- Point/topic of your paragraph that relates to your argument/thesis  Q- Quotation that serves as evidence for your argument  E- Explanation of your quote. Use it to help argue how the author is showing something specific to help prove your thesis. PQE …Now I know my PQE’s!

Topic Sentences (P/Point)  A topic sentence is the first sentence in a body paragraph. It tells a reader of what is going to be discussed in the paragraph. Be specific in relating it to the topic—it is wise not to use a quote or a question here!

Come up with Topic Sentences  Main topic/thesis: Paul Berlin changes for the worse  Sub/paragraph topic: Character is cowardly  Main topic/thesis: Compare/contrast narrators from “The Pit and the Pendulum” and “Sheila Mant”  Sub/paragraph topic: Different ways of problem- solving

Use Sources and Cite Them! (Q-Quote)  Although you might have some good points for an argument, the key to it all is using relevant quotes to help you back up what you’re saying.  Use a source in the beginning to middle of your paragraph to help argue and validate your points. This comes soon after your topic sentence.  You need in-text citations any time you quote or paraphrase a source.

Source Used Correctly Quote: Paul Berlin convinces himself he will be okay when he says, “He would do better once he reached the sea, he thought, still smiling a little” (O’Brien 203). Paraphrase: Paul Berlin convinces himself he will be okay once he reaches the sea (O’Brien 203).

Explanation (Last step in body paragraph  After your topic sentence and quotation, work to explain how your quotation backs up the point you made in your topic sentence about your thesis.  Instead of summarizing the story, talk about how the author made certain choices in their writing that affected the characters in some way, related to your argument.  This should take up most of your body paragraphs (4-6 sentences).

Voice in Papers  Do NOT use contractions (Ex: Don’t, aren’t, they’re, isn’t)  Do NOT use the following words: We, us, our, you, your(s), I, mine, my  By using these terms in a paper, you are directly speaking to your audience or including them as well as having an apparent bias. Your voice must remain neutral in this sense!

Correct the Voice in the Sentences  Students learn various subjects in school because they’re relevant in everyday life.  Many people think that senior living homes aren’t great places for family members to live.  The author doesn’t believe in any particular method.

Correct the Voice in the Sentences  It is not fair to make us choose between starvation or spending a ridiculous amount of money on cafeteria food.  I think that all high school curriculums should include sex education.  In our society, technology is highly prevalent.

Vocabulary/Word Choice  Many students do not use vocabulary that is appropriate to their age level.  After writing a paragraph, it can be beneficial to look back at it and see if you can elevate any of your word choices.  Another strategy is to have someone else proofread your work to help give you suggestions.  Remember, this is the polish to your paper, but it is still important!

Correct the Word Choices  Using computers over textbooks can be bad because they can strain your eyes.  A big reason behind the importance of birth control is that it can correct hormone dysfunctions.  It is good that students have cellphones in classrooms in case of an emergency.

What should be included in the conclusion paragraph…  Signal the end of the paper  Reiterate your thesis statement (using different words)  What you may have learned  “The Big Picture” Transitional words or phrases should be used to signal your reader that you are ending your paper. Your thesis should be restated in a way that summarizes your expanded ideas in the previous paragraphs. Another good idea is to tell what you learned; what did you get or accomplish from your research? “Explain why the content matters in terms of the “Big Picture.”” In other words, why is the content of your essay important to read? Speculate about the future.

Common mistakes in closing paragraphs…  DON’T BE REPETIVTIVE!! This is probably the most common mistake in concluding paragraphs. It can be difficult not to repeat yourself because you are restating your thesis, but you’re not rewriting your thesis, just summarizing the ideas previously discussed. *Suggestion: “Address the implications of the essays central claim”; “ask a rhetorical question” that will lead the reader into a further thought process.